Character development is one of the most important aspects of writing a story. It can make or break a book. When done well, readers will feel like they know and understand the characters. They will feel like they are with them, experiencing everything that happens.
But what makes character development so important? And what drives characters to do the things they do? In this blog post, we will explore these questions and more!
Introducing character development and what it is
Character development is the process by which a writer creates and shapes the personality, motivations, and other traits of their characters. It is what allows readers to connect with characters on a deep level and understand their choices and actions.
Many factors contribute to character development. One of the most important is motivation. Why do your characters do the things they do? What drives them to make the choices they make?
Understanding your character’s motivation is key to creating a well-rounded and believable character. It will also help you determine what kind of conflict your character will face and how the character will react to it.
The different types of motivations that drive characters
There are two types of motivation: internal and external
Internal motivation is what drives a character from within. It can be things like fear, love, or revenge.
External motivation is what drives a character from outside sources, which could be something like money, power, or fame.
Both types of motivation are essential when you develop characters. Still, internal motivation is more relatable, and relatable characters are more likable.
Internal motivation
Internal motivation is when a character does something for their reasons rather than out of obligation or external pressure. There are many different kinds of internal motivation. Still, some of the most common include:
– Wanting to feel strong and capable, wishing to be in control of one’s life, wanting to feel like they’re making a difference, and wanting to find satisfaction and happiness in their work or hobby.
– Survival is a character’s most basic need. A character will do whatever it takes to stay alive, even sacrificing their morals or values. Each person’s fears will be unique to them, and some people will be more motivated by certain fears than others; for example, there is the fear of failure, the fear of being judged by others, the fear of being alone, and the fear of death.
– Love: Characters who are motivated by love and care deeply for others. They are often selfless and put the needs of others above their own.
– Revenge: Characters motivated by revenge are driven by a need to right a wrong that somebody did to them. They are willing to go to great lengths to get justice, even if it means sacrificing their safety or well-being.
Examples of internal motivation in literature and film
One great example of internal motivation in character is Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings. Even though he was constantly put through pain and danger, Frodo continued his quest because he knew it was the right thing to do. He didn’t do it for glory or recognition; he did it because he knew it was the only way to save his home and the people he loved.
Another favorite example is from the novel The Catcher in the Rye, in which Holden Caulfield explains his love for baseball and how it provides him with a sense of purpose and motivation in life. He says, “I think I’m sort of brave when I’m playing ball. It’s like being brave without having to be scared of anything.”
You can find another excellent example in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, in which Atticus Finch tells his daughter Scout that “you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
This idea underscores the importance of empathy in character development. By understanding where another person is coming from, we can more easily develop a connection with them.
External motivation
– Power: Characters motivated by power want to be in control. They are often ambitious and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. It allows them to control their environment and the people around them. Additionally, power can provide a sense of status and respect from others, which is also appealing.
– Money: Some characters are motivated by money because of the need to provide for their families, while others are motivated purely by the desire to amass wealth. Still, others may be driven by a sense of competition or the need to outdo others. No matter the motivation, money is a powerful force that can significantly influence people’s behavior.
– Fame: Humans have been seeking fame and recognition since the earliest days of civilization. There are a few key factors that make fame so appealing to people. First, it’s a way to stand out from the crowd and be remembered long after you’re gone. Fame also confers a certain level of power and authority, which can be incredibly intoxicating for some people. Finally, being famous often comes with many perks and benefits (money, cars, clothes, etc.), which can make life a lot more comfortable.
Examples of external motivation in literature and film
Desire: In the Harry Potter series, Harry is driven by a desire to defeat Voldemort and protect his friends and family.
Need to survive: In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen is motivated by the need to survive and protect her sister.
Need to provide: Another example is the protagonist in the movie The Pursuit of Happiness, who is motivated by his need to provide for his son. He will do whatever it takes to get ahead and make more money, including working long hours and enduring many hardships.
Money: A great example of a character motivated by money in a movie is the antagonist in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street. This character is motivated by greed and a desire for more money, regardless of the cost. He is willing to do whatever it takes to make more money, even if it means breaking the law.
Fame: There are many characters in literature and film who are motivated by fame. Some of the most famous examples include Gatsby in The Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby is desperate to win back Daisy so that he can be admired by her and everyone she knows.
Similarly, in Gone with the Wind, Rhett Butler is motivated by his desire to be talked about long after he’s gone. He says, “I want to be remembered after I’m dead. I want to live on in somebody’s memory.”
Examples of villain characters driven by power
Some examples of characters motivated by power are Darth Vader in the Star Wars movies, Professor Moriarty in the Sherlock Holmes stories, and Captain Hook in Peter Pan. Each of these villains is driven by a desire for power and domination over others, and they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
A great example of a character motivated purely by power is Lord Voldemort from the Harry Potter series. He is driven to gain more and more power and will stop at nothing to achieve it. He is cold, ruthless, and completely lacking in mercy or compassion.
Other examples of characters motivated by power include Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars, Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones, and Dr. Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs.
One of the most famous examples of a character motivated by power is Macbeth in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. After being told by the witches that he will be king, Macbeth becomes obsessed with gaining and maintaining power at any cost. He murders anyone who gets in his way, including his own wife and children, and eventually pays for his crimes with his own life.
How to create believable, multi-dimensional characters with motivation
Now that we know what motivates characters, let’s talk about how to create believable, multi-dimensional characters with motivation.
Key things to keep in mind when creating believable characters:
– Don’t forget about the little details. It’s the small things that help bring a character to life on the page. Everything from how they speak to their body language should be considered. A well-developed character is someone who has a unique voice and a unique personality. Readers should be able to see themselves in your character or at least understand their motivations.
– Give your character flaws. No one is perfect, and neither should your character be. Flaws make characters more interesting and relatable. For example, selfishness. People who are selfish always put their own needs above those of others, which can often lead to a lot of conflict and unhappiness. Other examples of character flaws are arrogance, manipulative behavior, and addiction to drama or chaos.
– Give your characters relatable motivations. Reflect on your character’s past. What is your character’s history? Their goal? What drives the character? What are they fighting for? What makes them unique? Why does your character act the way they do? How do they interact with other characters?
Let your characters change and grow throughout the story
Remember that character growth happens slowly over time – called a character arc. It’s important to show your readers the gradual evolution of your character’s thoughts, feelings, and actions throughout the story. This is good character development.
Don’t rush their development unnecessarily. Allow your main character the space they need to explore their options and make meaningful choices. What forces are driving these changes? How does the character react to these forces? What is at stake for the character?
Make sure the stakes are high for your protagonist
Conflict is essential for character growth. For your characters to change and develop, they need to be challenged. Give them problems to solve and obstacles to overcome. Create an antagonist who is worthy of opposing your protagonist.
Allow your characters to surprise you
Sometimes the best ideas for character development come from simply letting your characters take on a life of their own and following their lead. Be open to exploring new aspects of your character’s personality and seeing where they take you.
These are just a few examples of characters with different motivations that drive their actions and choices. So ask yourself, what motivates your main character? What drives them to do what they do? Is it love, duty, survival, revenge, power, or something else entirely?
Knowing your character’s motivation is key to understanding them and writing them well. So take some time to think about what motivates your character and why. It’ll make a world of difference in your story.
Conclusion
Character development is a powerful tool for writers to bring their stories to life. By understanding the different motivations that drive characters and giving them believable, multi-dimensional personalities, writers can create stories with richly developed and interesting characters that readers will love.
Make sure to take your time and have fun developing your characters!
I hope this was helpful.
If you’re working on your first novel and are looking for more help with your writing, please check out my other articles at https://ullahakanson.com/blog/
Thanks for reading!
Ulla